Taiwan trade delegation on trip to 4 African nations

TAIPEI -- A trade delegation left Taiwan on yesterday on a visit to four African countries to explore business opportunities there, according to Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), which is sponsoring the mission.

The delegation comprises representatives of 17 businesses, mostly small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the council said.

The group will hold trade fairs in Tunisia, Egypt, Burkina Faso and Uganda, four African countries that have great business potential and a combined population of 150 million, the trade promotion body said.

It is TAITRA's first effort to hold a trade fair in Tunisia, a North African country that Taiwanese businessmen find difficult to enter as they often have a long wait to obtain visas.

During its tour, the delegation will also take part in Africalia 2014, this year's edition of a biennial forum that will be held in Burkina Faso, according to TAITRA.